New Style ESA

I have just received a letter stating that I now receive NS ESA, and that I will be paid £95.55 per week.

The letter states: "to continue to get contribution-based ESA you may need to fill in a Work Capability Assessment." Is this the WCA50? If so, I have already completed and returned this on 5th October. Isn't the decision to award me based upon the DWP reviewing my completed form? The fact that I have already completed and returned it was not even mentioned.

The letter also states: "you may need to attend a Work Focused Interview with a personal advisor." I mentioned in my WCA50 that this would not be possible for me due to my disabilities, and I detailed why.

The form reads like the DWP has not even read my filled out WCA50, yet it states I can submit a Mandatory Reconsideration request if I "think the decision is wrong."

I'm confused.

Is this their decision based on the outcome of the DWP reading my WCA50, or is it a provisional decision? It gives no mention either way.

Thank you.

Thank you, David.

I don't understand how a simple letter from the government that is sent to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people can be so slapdash, unless it is done on purpose. It isn't difficult to add a sentence saying: "A final decision will be made and you will be notified over the course of the next x weeks/ months."

A pamphlet (ESACOC 11/25) came with the letter and, in it, it states: "We need to know if the total capital and assets in your household is more than £6000."

Because it is not a means tested benefit and I wasn't asked about savings or assets on the WCA50 and I'm not claiming UC, should I ignore this? I feel "damned if I do and damned if I don't" (as usual when dealing with the DWP).